Catalina 385 vs 1987 Cape Dory 40 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 385 | 1987 Cape Dory 40 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2006–2014 | 1987–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 8,618 kg (18,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 64.5 m² (694 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 242 L (63.9 gal) | 284 L (75.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 385 and 1987 Cape Dory 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1987 Cape Dory 40 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Catalina 385 measures 11.73m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1987 Cape Dory 40 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is 0.46m longer than the Catalina 385. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 385 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1987 Cape Dory 40, with an SA/D of 15.59 and 64.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 385 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1987 Cape Dory 40 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 42.1% for the 1987 Cape Dory 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 385 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1987 Cape Dory 40 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 284L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Cape Dory 40 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Catalina 385 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Catalina 385 · 1987 Cape Dory 40